North Shore Forest Management Plan
by RGS's Rick Horton.

Dec. 23, 2002
 

MN Grouse Enthusiasts - Attached are RGS's comments (.pdf document 136 kb) on the Minnesota DNR's North Shore Subsection Forest Resource Management Plan.  They are lengthy (9 pages).  The gist of it includes:
 
Preliminary Issues -

• The Preliminary Issues distributed to the public by the DNR are inflammatory, biased, and leading.  They will result in public comments that reflect the opinions of those who drafted them.  I suggest they do not use preliminary issues to garner public input in the future.
• The Plan shows excessive focus on vague concerns for "biodiversity" (an ambiguous term) without scientific support of these concerns.  Conversely, there is little mention of the social or economic impacts of this forest management plan on the region.
• Preliminary Issues focus on restoring historic landscapes, something the DNR is not currently charged with on public lands. 

New Issues from RGS -

• Proper regeneration of productive aspen stands - Efforts other than clearcutting will not produce habitat suitable for grouse, woodcock and other young forest species. 
• Birch regeneration - Birch forests are dying or being replaced with conifers.  Birch forests define northern Minnesota to many people and need to be maintained on the landscape. 
• Current lack of timely regeneration of all early successional forest types - There is a significant amount of very old aspen, birch, balsam fir and jack pine in this region that should be regenerated.
• Lack of interest in the effects of forest management on sportsmen - Minnesota's sportsmen are considered "another interest group" and made to look like we are only concerned with single species management.  Therefore concerns about hunting access, game populations and impacts of forest management to our recreation are not addressed.

Visit http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/subsection/northshorearea/index.html to learn more about this plan and submit your own comments.

The Minnesota DNR has also released a draft management plan for the Agassiz Lowlands subsection, which covers portions of Lake of the Woods, Beltrami, Koochiching and Roseau Counties. They are inviting public comment until January 31, 2003. The Ruffed Grouse Society will provide comments on this plan, but we encourage interested people to get involved in the process. You can view the draft plan and provide input at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/subsection/agassiz/index.html.
Our initial read indicates that the Division of Forestry intends to convert 13,545 acres of aspen, birch and Balm of Gilead to other forest types, primarily conifers, by 2050. We will forward our comments when they are available.  
Feel free to call if you have any questions about the Society's comments.
 
Rick Horton
Forest Wildlife Biologist
Ruffed Grouse Society

2003 DEEP PORTAGE UPLAND BIRD HUNTING PROGRAMS

Hackensack, MN. -- December 15, 2002 -- Deep Portage Conservation
Reserve, Hackensack, MN is offering Youth Camps and Adult Schools
designed for upland bird hunting enthusiasts interested in increasing
their knowledge and improving their skills.

YOUTH UPLAND BIRD CAMP July 20-25, 2003

Deep Portage along with the Ruffed Grouse Society and Pheasants Forever
offer campers ages 12-16 years old that have DNR Firearms Safety
Training the opportunity to learn the basics of Upland Bird hunting.
Campers will learn the the habits and habitat needs of game birds. Learn
safe and proper wingshooting technique on daily trips to the range. A
field trip to Pine Shadows Kennel will expose students to the benefits
and applications of various dog breeds to upland hunting. Students will
learn: ethical hunting techniques, how to locate hunting areas,private
landowner relations, game preparation and cooking, the role of
conservation organizations. Upland Bird Camp is a great way to meet
friends and learn about birds and bird hunting. Cost $365 (Includes:
Lodging, food, equipment, instruction)



ADULT WINGSHOOTING SCHOOLS

Session I May 30-June 1, 2003 (Limited to 16 participants)
Session II August 22-24, 2003 (Limited to 16 participants)

Deep Portage, the Deep Portage Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society and,
King's Shooting Sports are teaming up to make you a better shot. The
schools are designed to teach you the basics of good wingshooting
technique. Our instructors teach a modified "Churchill" method of
instinctive shooting. The course covers safe gun handling, gun
selection and gun fit. We instill proper wingshooting technique
including: grip, stance, pre-moumt, mount and swing. Classroom knowledge
will be augmented with extensive shooting on our sporting clays range.
Students will receive personal attention from instructors. Graduates
will leave with the knowledge and techniques necessary to becoming a
better wing shot. Cost $300 (Includes: instruction, food, lodging,
targets)

For additional information and registration materials Contact Deep
Portage Conservation Reserve: 2197 Nature Center Dr. NW, Hackensack, MN
56452. Call toll free (888) 280-9908 Or via the internet at
www.deep-portage.org